You don’t have to get slower because you get older
#26
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Right now, I work east coast hours on the west coast, which means I'm able to take advantage of far more daylight into the fall than when I was on the east coast - being able to get 30-40 miles in two (or maybe three) weekend afternoons a week is great. That's nothing compared with the retired gentleman that I shared a few miles with yesterday, who talked about his metric century that day as if it were a regular occurrence. Sure, on fresh legs I outpaced him a bit going over a rise, but he probably has nearly 30 years on me (I'm 38) and 40 more miles under his bibs that day. I have no doubt I'd be sucking wind if I had caught up to him after most of a metric century.
I'll say that mileage definitely helps. I just beat my time up Old La Honda Rd (3mi, 8%) by 2 minutes last week, despite being 5ish lbs heavier and 18 months older than my last attempt. I also probably have over 1k more miles in my legs this year than I did at that point last year.
I'll say that mileage definitely helps. I just beat my time up Old La Honda Rd (3mi, 8%) by 2 minutes last week, despite being 5ish lbs heavier and 18 months older than my last attempt. I also probably have over 1k more miles in my legs this year than I did at that point last year.
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Exactly. And there's nothing like that feeling you get on the "Cycling God" days when every time you call down to the engine room for more speed, it's there, and you feel like you could ride forever - but you don't, because you know you can't.
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2) VO2 max is not the be all end all for cycling performance. Much more important is power at threshold, and the ability to hold that threshold power for prolonged periods. While your maximum aerobic potential is coming down slightly each year with age, you can still increase your FTP as a percentage of your VO2 max.
One event that's likely pure threshold is the 40km time trial. And, among the best athletes, not that much is lost as age increases.
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This seems a rather odd (and OT) aside...And I must point out that the name was changed because it was offensive to the people of the Kaw Nation, from whom my state takes its name. If you understood the history of their treatment here, you might see the name change differently.
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For me, while my days of racing crits are likely over,
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The thread reminds me of a conversation I was having with a woman once about the meaning of the word competitive. For her, and others it means doing all you can do to be the best you can be. To me it actually means having a chance to win/place in an actual event/race/tournament/etc. Different meanings for different people.
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"...... One day after Cummins left the organization, Unbound Gravel’s parent company Life Time issued a statement confirming it would be rebranding. “We have been working throughout this year on options for a name change,” the statement said. “Our event name wasn’t created with ill-intent, and while we have worked with and received support from the Kaw Nation, we also understand that our name should not cause hurt. This process does take time, and we want to make this change in the correct manner. Please know that we will share progress as we work through this process.” ...............................
................................New name, new brandingOn Thursday, Life Time announced the new name of the event. The new name also came with new branding, an homage to the Flint hills of Kansas. Unbound says its new name is: “About self-discovery. We will come undone, reinvigorated, and undone again each time we’re out on those hills.........."
above taken from >>>> https://cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/...bound%20Gravel.
IMO, using the ORIGINAL NAME is DISRESPECTING the Kaw Nation
Last edited by OldTryGuy; 09-28-23 at 12:25 PM.
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You seem to imply that there is some problem with wanting to be fast, strong. I have no issue with people who do not want to be competitive, and do not care how fast they ride. This discussion was intended to be about it still being possible to be fast as competive even as we age.
For me, while my days of racing crits are likely over, I still want to challenge my self with events like the Ride Across Portugal, Haute Route Dolomites, and Dirty Kanza I refuse t acknowledge the Corporate imposed name) Racing motivates me to get of the couch, and gives a sense of accomplishment. I get that is not appealing to others, and there are many other rewards from riding a bike.
My simple point is that age shouldn’t deter people from pursuing their goals.
For me, while my days of racing crits are likely over, I still want to challenge my self with events like the Ride Across Portugal, Haute Route Dolomites, and Dirty Kanza I refuse t acknowledge the Corporate imposed name) Racing motivates me to get of the couch, and gives a sense of accomplishment. I get that is not appealing to others, and there are many other rewards from riding a bike.
My simple point is that age shouldn’t deter people from pursuing their goals.
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Whenever I've strained my lower back by, e.g., moving furniture, I know that a couple of days of riding will almost always ease the discomfort.
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The thread reminds me of a conversation I was having with a woman once about the meaning of the word competitive. For her, and others it means doing all you can do to be the best you can be. To me it actually means having a chance to win/place in an actual event/race/tournament/etc. Different meanings for different people.
So, I compete with myself.
Even if I was an "athlete" - taking 20+ years off the bike & becoming a big ole blob, then joining an age group type race & matching up against athletes that have been doing athlete stuff their entire lives...
I ain't winning sheeeet.
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I interpreted OP to mean “I no longer want to crash and break body parts in a crit”.
Last edited by terrymorse; 09-29-23 at 09:57 AM.
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#39
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All this talk about retirement and the near-unlimited time to ride is making me envious.
I am almost 50 and noticeably faster than I was at 40. Back then I was even more out of shape and did not even own a bike.
I am almost 50 and noticeably faster than I was at 40. Back then I was even more out of shape and did not even own a bike.
#40
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This seems a rather odd (and OT) aside...And I must point out that the name was changed because it was offensive to the people of the Kaw Nation, from whom my state takes its name. If you understood the history of their treatment here, you might see the name change differently.
The ‘Dirty” reference is in no way intended to offend. It’s A reference to the fact that it was a very hard ride on dirt roads. If anything the name honored the heritage of the place in which the race was held.
and the post by Old Try Guy appears to confirm that the name was not a problem when it was a locally run grassroots event, was changed after Lfetime sports bought the event,and was precipitated by a comment by the original race founder that had nothing to do with the Kaw Nation.
in fact the Kaw Nation, via its chair person in response to the name change petition said they were proud of the name,and that it honored their heritage. https://velo.outsideonline.com/news/...6-9268d2933332
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Last edited by merlinextraligh; 09-29-23 at 06:51 AM.
#41
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The program is basically 5 days on with Monday and Friday being rest days, intervals on Tuesday and Thursday. Then an endurance ride on Wednesday. And a hard group ride or race on the weekend, and and another endurance ride on other weekend day.
the program also has rhythm of 3 progressively harder weeks before a recovery week the 4 week, then starting the cycle again with another 4 week block
Because my goals for the year were long events with lots of climbing, the intervals have been mostly focused on raising ftp, so lots of tempo, sweet spot, and steady states, and just a smattering of shorter intervals.
300,000 feet plus of climbing this year has definitely helped
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Last edited by merlinextraligh; 09-28-23 at 05:26 PM.
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#42
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So when I was doing mass start USA cycling races as a Cat 3, racing Masters was typically harder than racing my category. When you race Cat 3 events you’re only racing other Cat 3’s . When you race Masters it’s open to all cats, so you have cat 1’s and pros. Racing at Masters Nationals, I’ve raced against ex pro tour racers,and former Olympians. Way harder than a local Cat. 3 crit.
And I never intended this thread to be about what a great bike racer I am. Obviously not getting past Cat 3 I never set the world on fire.
it’s about not letting age limit what you can still accomplish
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You could fall off a cliff and die.
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You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
Last edited by merlinextraligh; 09-28-23 at 05:48 PM.
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At 55 I’m not expecting to beat competitive 25 year olds that are training seriously, but I am faster than I was in my 40s and my VO2 max has been stable for the last 5 years. My max HR has also remained the same and has only dropped about 10 bpm from my mid 20s.
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exactly. While, I’m still thinking about doing some of the local training crits, when I factor in that they don’t really help me with preparing for my goal events and the risk of injury, it doesn’t really fit for me to be racing crits at this point.
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#45
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the 35/45+ is the fastest race behind the P/1/2 in SCNCA every time. For sure faster than cat 3. I won from some solo breaks as 3 (in 2019). The ain't happening in 35/45+ or the pro race. I need some other horses with me.
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#46
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Even Mark Cavendish won 4 TDF races at 37
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I'm okay with slowing down as I age. Frankly, I no longer have the discipline (and perhaps the ability) that it would take to get faster.
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I didn't get/feel slower either until I hit my '70's. But, you are going to get slower. However, your attitude is the one to have. "Do not go gentle into that good night." I never will, regardless of the numbers.
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Obviously as we age, our physiological limits decrease. However, for the vast majority of us, we operate so far below our maximum theoretical capability, we can still get faster, stronger by capturing a greater percentage of maximum capacity.
Broke my PR today for Elk Mountain Scenic Highway by a minute and a half. At 64, I’m breaking PR’s frequently, and am climbing about as fast as I ever have. The data shows that I’m faster at 64 than 50. I don’t have data from my 20’s and 30’s, but I’d bet my 30 year old self was a bit faster sprinter, but I could kick his butt on a very long ride with sustained climbs.
My times in an absolute sense are pedestrian, but in a relative sense, with more time to train, and diligently following a training plan, I’m still getting faster.
With the tools and knowledge we now have, it’s definitely possible to continue to get faster, at an age our parents were retiring to their rocking chairs.
Broke my PR today for Elk Mountain Scenic Highway by a minute and a half. At 64, I’m breaking PR’s frequently, and am climbing about as fast as I ever have. The data shows that I’m faster at 64 than 50. I don’t have data from my 20’s and 30’s, but I’d bet my 30 year old self was a bit faster sprinter, but I could kick his butt on a very long ride with sustained climbs.
My times in an absolute sense are pedestrian, but in a relative sense, with more time to train, and diligently following a training plan, I’m still getting faster.
With the tools and knowledge we now have, it’s definitely possible to continue to get faster, at an age our parents were retiring to their rocking chairs.
Not to discourage, but aging is inevitable. Looking to max what one has, at any time, laudable and a positive way forward.
But slowing down is inevitable.
I'm much 'slower' than I was 10 yrs ago, and at that time slower than before that...
But that's OK! It's not a total collapse or surrender to the inevitable. It is still 'pushing boundaries' (personal). At the same time as loving every moment.
I think my level of 'Appreciation' & 'Love' is way higher than it's been at any point in my past.
I appreciate my past achievements and at the same time explore who I am, now.
But do 'keep pushing', the worth is in the effort as much, if not more, than the result.
Ride On
Yuri
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Did anyone from the Kaw Nation complain? I didn’t see anyone protesting when I raced it as Dirty Kanza. It’s the same root as the state’s name; are they offended by the name of the State?
The ‘Dirty” reference is in no way intended to offend. It’s A reference to the fact that it was a very hard ride on dirt roads. If anything the name honored the heritage of the place in which the race was held.
and the post by Old Try Guy appears to confirm that the name was not a problem when it was a locally run grassroots event, was changed after Lfetime sports bought the event,and was precipitated by a comment by the original race founder that had nothing to do with the Kaw Nation.
in fact the Kaw Nation, via its chair person in response to the name change petition said they were proud of the name,and that it honored their heritage. https://velo.outsideonline.com/news/...6-9268d2933332
The ‘Dirty” reference is in no way intended to offend. It’s A reference to the fact that it was a very hard ride on dirt roads. If anything the name honored the heritage of the place in which the race was held.
and the post by Old Try Guy appears to confirm that the name was not a problem when it was a locally run grassroots event, was changed after Lfetime sports bought the event,and was precipitated by a comment by the original race founder that had nothing to do with the Kaw Nation.
in fact the Kaw Nation, via its chair person in response to the name change petition said they were proud of the name,and that it honored their heritage. https://velo.outsideonline.com/news/...6-9268d2933332
The LINK in my post is October 29, 2020 --- 6 months so possibly a change of opinion ????